An ancestor's face on one of the largest instruments in the world Tin Mweleun, Slit Gong (Atingting kon) by Dr. Billie Lythberg and Dr. Steven Zucker
Chief Roi Mata’s Domain consists of three early 17th century sites on Vanuatu Chief Roi Mata’s Domain by UNESCO
When decorated, the yams represent ancestral spirits called nggwal. Gwaikwavi Wakaniambi, Yam mask or Bapamini by The British Museum
A breastplate of this style, known in Fijian as civaconovono, was worn as an emblem of high status for ceremonies or during battles. Ivory breastplate (civaconovono), Fiji by The British Museum
These intricate wooden carvings have confused anthropologists and confounded art historians for over a century. The Life of Malagan by Patrick Nason
The small-scale societies of these islands became famous in the West for their ceremonial wooden carvings. Melanesia, an introduction by The British Museum
Collected from Papua New Guinea in the 1880s, this figure would otherwise have been destroyed after its ritual use. Malagan at the British Museum by The British Museum
Master carvers produced statues like these when village leaders needed to bring their community back into balance. Bis Poles at The Metropolitan Museum of ... by Dr. Maia Nuku and Dr. Steven Zucker
This intriguing artifact has a 3,500-year history. The latest chapter? A political debate over cultural heritage. Ambum Stone by Dr. Billie Lythberg and Dr. Jane Horan
This photograph commemorates a historic royal visit and captures the practice of Fijian gift exchange. Presentation of Fijian Mats and Tapa Cloths ... by Dr. Jennifer Wagelie
Though we lack an understanding of its use or cultural context, this turtle-shell mask was certainly precious. Mask (Buk), Torres Strait, Mabuiag Island by Dr. Peri Klemm and Dr. Beth Harris